Tag: sexual immorality

This is Judy Habner I was direct involvement exposing CSA issues these past 11months in Ecuador.

The facts are: 

Twenty years ago a man name [TP] sexually abused his daughter many times. His professing wife [B] left him because of these CSA on her daughter. Two older brothers in Ecuador LeRoy Lerwick and Max Bowman encouraged her to forgive him and then return to her husband.

She submitted to the oldest workers advice and returned home. After sometime [TP]. professed and [B] told me that during this time he abused her emotionally and mentally.

It was also at this time he became an Elder with Sunday morning meeting in his home.

Two years ago [TP] continued to Sexually Abuse some of his own family members all children.

Three brother workers in Ecuador Jim Price, Richard Harbur and Scott Porter knew all about this and did nothing but cover it up from the friends in the area, and the people in the community. The only thing these brothers did was take away his privilege of guiding the meeting in his home as the elder BUT [TP] was still allowed to having meeting in his home and partake of the emblems for 2 years. I was present at his house when he partook of the emblems and I didn’t know the evil that he has done. That day was my first time to be at his house in 32 years since I professed.

While I was in Ecuador in August 2022 the wife [B] was under deep distress and I asked her why you are so sad? She told me the nightmare that she was living in and asked me to help her talk to the friends and let them know she did not want to have Sunday Morning Meeting in her home any more. 

The people in the San Jose area where all this happened knew of [TP]’s abuses and that he had a meeting in his home and they called him of the Devil, and the people who came to his home are also of the devil. I told [B] that it was necessary to write a letter to all in the Sunday morning meeting letting everyone know what she wanted and to expose [TP]’s CSA issues to protect other children in the community and among the fellowship, many of the friends didn’t know what’s going on just they hear “rumors” about it . Workers never talk to anybody about what was going on.

Before I comforted [TP] I called Lealand Broughton the responsible brother over South America and asked him: “Why have you allowed him to have meeting in his home? ” Lealand told me: “You don’t have the spirit of the Lamb to deal with this issue”. 

Lealand advice was to talk to one elder nearby and if he agree taken the meeting is ok to take away the meeting. Then he advised another elder to talk to Jim Price and if he agreed also then the meeting was to be taken out of [TP]’s home. 

I heard the conversation when Jim Price said to the Elder over the phone:
“Is there something new?
This is a little thing that happened 20-years ago,
and again 8-years ago and we know all about it “.
Is there something new?

The Elder told Jim: If I had known this before I would of never guided the meeting in his Home. Jim Price then agreed to take the meeting out of [TP]’s home because [TP]’s CSA was again exposed.

 On the same day Scott Porter told me that I was out of order for exposing [TP] and there would be consequences for what I was doing, and he didn’t know that Lealand Broughton advice was to talk to Jim Price and an elder if both agree then ok take the meeting out from his house.

On Sunday August 14th, 2022 I confronted [TP] in his house during the Sunday Morning and [TP] denied everything and all the abuses that he committed and then I read the letter written by his wife [B] that exposed all his evil deeds towards his own family members all children at that time. Richard Harbur and Scott Porter came to Las Mercedes area just across the field from Las Mercedes convention ground and we visited there. 

During the visit I had with Richard Harbur and Scott Porter, I asked them: Why have you allowed [TP] to have meeting in his home?

The answer was: “I don’t know”.

Then I asked Scott Porter  Why did you allow him to partake of the emblems? And he said to me “The emblems don’t have feelings“ at this point

Richard was upset that I exposed the abuser and he ” Screamed at me for reading the letter in the meeting that was written by [B] (the wife) and this letter expose [TP]‘s evil deeds “.

Richard Harbur at that time wanted to put the Sunday morning meeting back into [TP]‘s home. But no one wanted to go to his house for meetings again.

I then went to the authorities to tell them the deep CSA issues in the San Jose area. When the authorities heard of these problems and heard the recording of Richard Harbur screaming at me they immediately suggested that I place a “restraining-order against Richard Harbur”. This also I did as the authorities encouraged me to be very careful of the “Abuse Power“ from religious leaders. 

Richard Harbur was then served the “restraining-Order” from the authorities. Richard then hired two lawyers to defend himself to have the restraining-order removed. Richard also spoke to many of the friends to come support him at the court date. At the court date many friends including from Guayaquil came to defend Richard and no one addressed the real problem of CSA that Richard Harbur, Scott Porter, and Jim Price had been covering up for years. I never hired a lawyer but the Judge appointed a lawyer for me. The Judge asked Richard Harbur lawyer about the incident.

 Richard Harbur lawyer asked Richard: Did you scream at Mrs Judy? And Richard replied: No.

When I heard this I could not believe he would lie before the Judge an all the witnesses. It deeply sadden my heart. The Judge asked me to speak and I said, I will keep the restraining order. The Judge decision was to keep the restraining order also and the letter will be under investigation.

The Judge then made his decision based on all he had heard and said, “The Restraining-Order” will remain. 

As a result of this I was evil spoken of, gaslit, and condemned by Richard Harbur, elders in Guayaquil and by some workers on the Ecuador staff. I was also excommunicated from attending Sunday morning meeting in two Elders homes in Guayaquil Ecuador. It has deeply saddened my heart. I lost my song in my heart but I keep my Faith.

I was devastated but still I keep my Faith in God.

I was not alone as a few dear friends stood by me during this devastating time. Others have posted on Wings for the Truth, and Advocates for the Truth about these very troubling and “hidden crimes” that have been swept under the rug for years. 

My husband Charlie Habner came to support me and worked remotely from Guayaquil for 2 months. His heart too was deeply sadden by the workers and friends who have covered up these most troubling “Crimes” against Children. These are not just Sins – they are CRIMES against innocent children who suffered and still suffer because of the evil that continues to be allowed. Our hearts go out to the victims and pray that God would hear their cry and give them a voice to be heard so their deep pain can begin to heal. 

For the record [TP] was allowed to attend Las Mercedes Convention this past November 2022. It wasn’t until this past April 2023 that [TP] was removed from attending meetings in his area because I wrote a letter to all the workers in Ecuador asking why you allowed him to continue coming to meetings?

Because that they told [TP] not to come to meetings.

Lealand Broughton knew all of this and chose to do NOTHING. There are also many other CSA issues in South America that Lealand Percy Broughton has known about for years and has done NOTHING.

It saddens my husband and I deeply that many responsible servants have bowed down to the service of men and have not fulfilled their calling to God.

All that I have mentioned above I also sent detailed emails to Ray Hoffmann about these deep problems and crimes of CSA in South America and he never even wrote back once. It’s like he didn’t even care for the Victims. It’s so sad to see no one cares about my country in Ecuador.

With a broken heart,

Judy Habner

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Names redacted by WINGS

Dear Friends,

Thoughts go out to each of you as we think of all that is going on these days. As we think of the seriousness and devastating effects that CSA/SA has on victims/survivors, we are very sorry for those who have suffered.

These recent months have significantly deepened my understanding, and I apologize for my lack of communication during this time. This crisis is much larger in scope than I first realized, and I am very thankful for those who have already helped with the needs at hand.

Our staff gathered on Monday and Tuesday to gain a better understanding of CSA/SA issues, and how to deal with them. On Monday, three of our friends who are professionals shared with us and answered questions. A therapist educated us on the effects of abuse on victims, how to handle disclosures of abuse, and how to support victims. A man who worked in law enforcement on CSA cases helped us better understand how predators think and work, and how to be wary of their grooming and deception. Another man who is a civil lawyer and worked on cases related to CSA helped to dispel fears of taking proper action because of misperceived legal reasons.

On Tuesday, we further processed what we had learned on Monday through sharing concerns and discussing a number of questions from friends and staff. We also discussed paths of how we can go forward, sharing the load together. I believe the whole staff valued the time, and how it drew us closer, helping us understand each other and encouraging us to work as one.

I have had the opportunity to attend some of the listening sessions to better understand your concerns and questions. One question that has been coming up is regarding when I learned of CSA allegations against Ken Pinney and Loren Spellman. I want to clarify that it was just after receiving reports of more than one credible allegation of CSA against each man that I asked them to leave the work.

In Robert Flippo’s situation, initial reports made to me were unclear, however, I later learned that there were credible allegations against Robert constituting sexual assault. Robert was dismissed from the work in May. All three of these men have been asked to not attend meetings.

We are grateful to those who have helped to keep our community safe. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you can report it to authorities and/or someone you trust. We encourage you to seek professional help if needed, and we want to be a support in that.

Many are asking what we are doing to help victims and survivors. We are so sorry for all who have been dismissed and disbelieved in the past. We hear you now and we believe you. We have started contributing to existing funds set up for this purpose and are actively looking into other options as well for providing therapy and healing resources to survivors.

This evening we will be at the listening session in Richmond, Virginia, and I feel what I have learned the past few days will help me better enter into your concerns. My thoughts are also with those gathering today for the Raleigh/Oxford listening session, as well as upcoming sessions through the weekend.

I know there are other questions and requests that have been made, and we are actively working to address and answer them.

Your brother,
Jim Holt

Survivor Support Policy

Many survivors have an inner core of strength that has helped them endure a deeply damaging, sometimes ongoing, experience. This warrants acknowledgement and affirmation during the support process. This strength does not preclude ongoing symptoms, challenges and need for support.

Due to the abuse they have endured, survivors may experience:

• Re-living event(s) through flashbacks/dreams/memories, memory loss, intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, fear, post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), dissociation, depersonalization;
• Overwhelming worry, restlessness, nervousness and hypervigilance;
• Cognitive challenges such as problems focusing, memory retention, difficulty making decisions, challenges completing tasks and assignments in school or at work;
• Mood challenges such as overwhelming sadness, loneliness, anxiety, irritability, appetite/weight changes (clinical depression), intense feelings such as anger;
• Self-esteem challenges such as shame, embarrassment, guilt, social isolation, difficulty making friends, feelings of worthlessness or emptiness;
• Substance abuse, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors and suicidality;
• Difficulty with relationships (fear of intimacy, inability to trust, sexual dysfunction, problems with spouse/family dynamics), difficulty with interpersonal communication, attachment disorders;
• Inappropriate boundaries, risky sexual behavior and risk of revictimization;
• Higher rates of chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases;
• Being perceived as angry or aggressive while self-advocating to be heard.

Why should the fellowship provide support to survivors?

Survivors are often misunderstood and have been overlooked and shunned in the fellowship, while perpetrators have been protected, excused, and elevated to positions of trust. This bias must be recognized. One step in addressing this is to actively support survivors.

Guidelines for support will help provide consistency across regions and time.

In consideration of the above, and for the purposes of support, it is immaterial whether the survivor was abused by an individual inside or outside of this fellowship. Similarly, the level of the survivor’s participation in the fellowship should not affect support (such as currently professing or not). Christlike compassion should underpin the approach.

Recommended support for survivors

• Acknowledge the abuse and affirm the survivor by providing opportunity for the survivor to be heard by others including those in authority, in a manner that facilitates accountability;
• Support survivors in counselling. This includes both acknowledging that mental health and other services may be needed, and contributing funds for counselling to help the survivor establish a functional day to day life and emotional well-being. Some survivors may have health plans that cover part of this, while others may not;
• Support survivors in social connections. This may include supporting involvement of a social worker and connecting with other survivors;
• Support family members or others close to the survivor who may also need help to navigate survivor behaviors that can affect crucial relationships (such as parent/sibling/spouse);
• Support during subsequent hardship. Survivors may be asked to testify in court. Legal advice and accompaniment (victim’s advocate) should be supported if this situation occurs;
• Ensure survivors’ safety and prevent re-traumatization by removing perpetrators from contact with the survivor in meeting, public gatherings, or communication. Take care to avoid inadvertently pressuring survivors to make contact. In some healing processes, survivors may choose to make contact; in these cases interaction should be on the survivor’s terms;
• Extra consideration may be needed for survivors who are non-English speaking, elderly, disabled or with other demographic vulnerabilities.

Considerations for worker survivors:

In most cases, when workers enter the ministry they forgo many natural securities, including money, assets such as home/vehicle/investments, and the opportunity to pursue further education or a career. This unique reality should guide the support provided to those who leave the work temporarily or permanently.

• Open discussion to ascertain immediate needs to establish themselves first temporarily and then permanently. This may include funds for a vehicle, rent, furnishings, as well with help with finding a job;
• Support to approach change in role in the church (communication of new role to members of fellowship, elders, local workers);
• Follow-up needs assessment 3-6 months after initial transition. Some former workers have mentioned that after the receipt of basic needs funds, they were left adrift and felt isolated. This may be addressed by having a designated person check in periodically.

Support for survivors in other countries

We encourage extending support to survivors of abuse, no matter their country of residence. This is of a special concern given cases of abusers traveling to, or being sent to, other areas without full disclosure of their history. Language barriers and differences in cultural context may provide further opportunity for abuse to occur.

Individuals who have a history of abuse must not be moved without full disclosure.

Support for survivors in other countries should include open acknowledgement of survivors’ experience, sharing policies and lessons learned, and providing financial support for medical and counselling needs.

Anticipated challenges include varying degrees of trust in police and state authorities, and cultural differences in sexual norms and discussing the same. Individuals familiar with these complex dynamics, such as those local to a specific region, may be best equipped to navigate these challenges with full support from others.

July 2023

The following attributes are some of the conditions that make the Friends and Workers church ripe for abuse and deception.

Historical Belief in Exclusivity: The workers and meetings represent the“Only True Ministry” and “Only True Way”.

• The belief that the form of the church and ministry is “the Only Way” is explicitly or implicitly taught and reinforced by many workers at Gospel meetings and other gatherings such as convention. Many friends do not do their own scriptural research to test the validity of this belief.
• Workers who believe they have been called into the Only True Ministry may submit to emotional or sexual abuse so as not to lose their “place”.
• Ex-communication or separation from the Only True Way can be a real and powerful fear, and result in ignoring or minimizing immoral or criminal behaviors.

Culture of Secrecy: From its establishment in the late 1800’s, there have been divisions and scandals in the church.   

• Typically doctrinal divisions and/or scandals have been ignored, diminished, or covered up because open acknowledgment of imperfections, including immoral or criminal behavior, could reduce confidence in the Only True Ministry and the Only True Way.  
• Many F&W are ignorant or uncertain about the church’s history.

Due to a deliberate or unintentional lack of knowledge, when questioned about church history, a default position is a vague or secretive response.

This “ignorance is bliss” attitude influences their outlook on church activities and information, including CSA and SA.

Undue trust in workers. Until recently, trust in the honesty, morality, ethics and general reliability of workers, was automatic and absolute among the majority of Friends.

• A high degree of trust is one of the most effective tools of a CSA perpetrator.

The homestay system.  Perpetrator workers know that the homestay system offers them many opportunities to groom and violate victims.  The addition of the above noted “trust factor” makes for an extremely vulnerable situation.

Unaccountability.  This historical reality is systemic among the ministry and creates an environment for many levels and areas of deception.  It is related to the One True Ministry belief.

• Unaccountability by the ministry exists from the regular worker level up to overseers.
• There is a general perception that ministry decisions, including financial, movement of staff, meeting selection, and other matters that affect the friends (eg baptism, divorce and/or remarriage, how CSA is dealt with), are privileged, sacrosanct and immune from review or analysis by the friends.
• Historically, the friends rarely question teachings or decisions made by the ministry. This acceptance allows for vulnerability in church matters, including how CSA/SA is managed.
• No accountability of the ministry allows a perfect breeding ground for corruption and deceit.

A Distinct Hierarchy

• Male dominated culture.  CSA/SA is notably more active in male dominated cultures. Males adopt a privileged position. Immoral or unethical workers will take advantage of their systemic privilege. Friends may be intimidated by the perceived dominance and therefore ignore or minimize known abuse.
• Two distinct groups. A commonly used phrase like “God’s people” often refers to the general congregation, not the workers. This and other delineations creates two groups/levels of organization, an imbalance of power, and implicit subservience by the Friends.
• The uneven power system within the ministry hierarchy (male vs female, senior vs junior), has contributed to worker-to-worker abuse and at times, prevented necessary recourse.
• Reporting. Historically, reports of CSA/SA went up through the chain of worker command rather than directly from the information source worker or friend to the authorities. This allowed the senior workers and overseers discretion in what would be reported and the outcome.

Christchurch,

Sunday July 9.

Dear Wayne,

This morning I received a letter concerning CSA which had your name, among others, at the bottom.

I acknowledge that the letter is quite well-written in the main, but it also raises serious issues. Clearly, the letter is not written or sent out in good faith, as the signatories are well aware of a person currently in the Ministry who has not been – and so far, is not being – dealt with according to the stated protocols.

I refer to Craig Janke in QLD, who very clearly falls within the scope of people who should not be attending meetings and yet is being allowed to even remain in the Ministry.

Craig was in South Australia in your time there, and you were made aware of allegations against him relating to inappropriate behaviour towards children (in fact, it seems likely that you actually knew of this before he arrived in the state). It is a known fact that you privately acknowledged that you were satisfied that the allegations against him have substance (though in a meeting of church elders in the field where Craig had been you later downplayed it and gave the impression that there was nothing in the allegations). You arranged for him to be sent back to QLD because of these matters, and I understand you made the remark that you would not have him in the ministry in your state. On his return to QLD he eventually returned to a role in the ministry and has remained there until this time. It is beyond understanding how you have dared to produce a letter which claims that you will deal with CSA matters when you are allowing this person to retain a ministry role. This is dishonest and deceitful behaviour. You need to be aware that I have begun to share these facts with everybody who raises the issue of the letter to me, and I will continue to do so.

A further matter of concern relates to the conspicuous absence of Max Goldsack’s name from the bottom of the letter, which has served to focus a spotlight on him and has caused many questions to be raised. The comment most frequently made about this is that it is likely because your overseer group are aware (as you would be) of Max’s questionable record on moral matters, including his well-known homosexual relationships. Personally, it was with jaw-dropping disbelief that I heard he was to be appointed overseer of the state of West Australia – this was an open assault on the principles of the Bible, a betrayal of the ministry and the Church, and a death-blow to the credibility of the overseer group.

These concerns are not trivial, nor may they be ignored. Please take notice that this letter will be shared, by any means, with anybody who has an interest in these matters.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Thompson

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WINGS Note: The original letter from most Australian and New Zealand overseers was posted 1st July https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/07/01/australia-nz-letter-to-the-church/ WINGS is unaware of any criminal allegations against anyone mentioned in this letter.

Ray Hoffmann:

Ira Hobbs: (overseer of Texas)

• Letter sent out by Ray about Ira in May 2008
• Ira allowed to attend meetings with children until June 2023
• Ray sent out CSA resources in 2008. Overseers claim that they didn’t know some of the facts and are only just now learning but we know that isn’t the case.
  https://wingsfortruth.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rayhoffman-2pp2.pdf
• Ray praises Ira’s spirit and says “there are too many allegations to be dismissed and disbelieved” which were only discovered when an officer investigating put out a notice for victims to come forward. Ray only wrote this letter due to the amount of victims that came forward.
• Jean’s story: https://wingsbts.proboards.com/thread/244/jeans-story

Leslie White: (Overseer of Colorado)

• Ray needed Laura (rape victim) to report to the authorities before he could remove Leslie White from the work.
• Laura raped by Leslie in 2003 at Elizabeth preps and reported in 2012 . Only then was Leslie removed from the work.
• Ray allowed Leslie to speak in his gospel meetings in recent years until April of 2023.
• Laura says: “From all I’ve heard Leslie has continued his behavior and because of Ray Hoffmann’s refusal to put him out of all meetings and Ray and other overseers’ refusal to write a letter and notify the church (the people) of Leslie’s behavior and lack of repentance, his behavior has been allowed to continued and his abuse of women and young girls has been enabled.”
• “In 2012 Ray Hoffmann looked me in the eye and promised and assured me that Leslie White would never be in the work again, yet in April of 2023, 11 years later, it was discovered that Ray himself was letting Leslie speak in gospel meetings. When asked why, Ray answered; “Maybe not the wisest choice”. ” Laura.
• Cynthia Liles (P.l) says: “I noticed online there were a couple of comments suggesting White was actually still in the work in Maine. I learned in late March or early April of 2023 that Ray Hoffmann indeed had let him back in the work by letting him speak in gospel meetings.
  This was confirmed with Ray in a phone call.”
• https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/06/24/victims-of-leslie-white-speak-out Refer here for all of Leslie’s inappropriate behaviors. Leslie spoke very inappropriately about sexual matters in gospel meetings and engaged in numerous inappropriate behaviors. Ray moved Leslie around but never removed him from the work.
• Ray made the comment to the mediator’s father (see Barry Barkley) “If not for the sister worker (Laura), Leslie would still be in the work.”
• Ray has also stated (April 2023): “Well it’s tricky because a lot of times victims who come forward are mentally unstable and while we feel for them, it’s hard to know what to do.”

Barry Barkley:

Leslie White:

• Present for orgasm comment and later denied it happened
• Met with divorced woman and was informed of Leslie’s very inappropriate questions (wings for truth link above) and did nothing about it with a mediator present in 2009.
• Barry later told the mediator of another report from a young sister worker that felt uncomfortable with Leslie’s comments to her in front of young brother workers.
• Barry made multiple comments that he would not “surge ahead of God” when victim and mediator asked that Leslie White be removed from the work. Mediator warned Barry that there would be more victims
• Mediator and her husband were removed from field email lists. Bruce Shaw eventually told them they were not welcome to take part in meetings until the mediator had sought out Leslie and forgiven him.
• Barry was Leslie White’s overseer at the time. (IL)
• Note: Mediator was unnamed on the victim’s letters to Leslie White, but she later posted her story on AFTT and C&C so we know she is Beth Laswell Boelter.

Dale Shultz:

Robert Corfield:

• Dale knew of Robert’s CSA in Saskatchewan and moved him to Montana instead of removing him from the work.
• John Foster says: “Those who also knew of Robert’s crimes and failed to report (Dale Shultz, primarily) will also likely face criminal charges. Dale was horrible to Robert’s primary victim and needs to be held accountable for that situation and many, many others he has handled horribly and with utter disdain for victims.”
• https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/05/31/robert-corfield-circumstances/  
• Robert Corfield’s victim recently disclosed on the Advocates for Truth FB page that he was physically assaulted by Dale for disclosing his abuse to a friend.

John VandenBerg:

• John was moved back to Arizona/California from Mexico after CSA happened in Mexico that Dale was aware of.
• The P.I team says: “Since January 2023. it has been brought to our attention that at least ten workers knew of this particular crime and participated in the cover up. Dale Shultz was instrumental in preventing the reporting of John Vandenberg’s crimes to law enforcement.” This is referring to an allegation against John of CSA of a 14 year old girl in Mexico in the early 2000s.
• https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/05/l8/john-vandenberg-clarification/
• https://johnvandenberg-theworker.org/2023/05/16/mexico-incident-and-application-of-matt-18-and-implied-consent/

Milford Town Hall: (Ray and Barry present) Rays problematic comments follow:

• “The next person to speak stated that they wanted reassurance that all allegations would be reported and people in the area be informed.”
  The moderator tried to bring the mic to Ray Hoffmann to respond to this and Ray motioned the mic away and did not respond.
• Ray zeroed in on one report. He painted a picture of the reporter being untrustworthy. He said “I’m not aware of anything I’ve been involved with CSA. If people can prove that I knowingly moved a perpetrator to another field I will happily step down, I will happily step down, I will go to jail, I’m not afraid of jail. I don’t think it would be wise to step down off the suggestion of one person.”
• Ray referenced James as an overseer and that James had the last word. He also said that someone has to make the plans and organize. He then said that he used to be Catholic and he definitely won’t be going back to that and that he didn’t like the hierarchy.
  The person who asked said “there is a hierarchy of the friends, elders, sister workers, brother workers, older workers, and overseers.”
• Ray said that it’s important to have overseers who are led by God and to manage, otherwise every worker would just be doing what they think is right. (Pointing to the sisters workers) he says the sister workers are submissive in their place and are happy to be. Maybe you would like to speak on that? (Motioning for a sister worker to speak).

Michael J Dunn was convicted in 2004 of Sexual Conduct Without Consent on a 22 year old male in 2002 and sentenced to one year imprisoment.. He had a previous conviction in 1999 of Sexual Abuse-2nd Degree on a 13 year old male in 1998.

It is understood that after release from prison he was not allowed in meetings with the victim but otherwise allowed to go to fellowship meetings.

Below is my (Otto Herr) summary of the meeting that occurred at the elder’s home on Saturday July 8, 2023 in Bellefonte PA. All topics are summarized (not word verbatim unless in quotes) with the items that I deemed germane to the topic at hand. There was significant side conversation that occurred throughout the meeting. Also, I thought it is important to note that none of the workers took notes during the meeting. Note also, I had prepared a list of talking points and questions. We really didn’t go through any of them, as we got hung up on the first one (a registry of potential/convicted offenders).

Meeting consisted of 4 workers and 9 of the congregation. Workers present: Ralph Miller, Dan Helenek, Ruth Veltri, and Margret Long.

Opened with a quick intro by the elder. Then transferred to Ralph to essentially lead the discussion.

When we asked if we could audio record the meeting, we were unable to get full group consensus, so we ended up not doing so. Note that objection came from a few of the congregation, and some from the workers as well on this topic. That said, I think that Ralph would have been fine with it, as we noted that this was for our use only (not to be made public).

I pushed for forma! meeting minutes and was essentially told no to this (again, push back from a few in the congregation, and at least one worker – not Ralph).

Ralph gave a more in-depth intro on the problem at hand starting with the Dean Bruer incident and ending with noting that there was one worker on the “east coast”. However, I felt like he downplayed (or he did not know how far reaching) because he only noted one worker on the “east coast” (not by name, but assumed to Leslie White) and noted that much of known issues were on the “west coast”. So, I spoke up and listed the stats to provide a little more clarity as to how wide spread the issue really is ~500 perpetrators, 23 workers/elders removed, 3 conventions closed, and likely 1000s of victims).

Most didn’t know this. And, for the record, none of the workers disputed those numbers.

Ralph noted that the plan moving forward was threefold;

1. Minsters are to continue to take “Ministry Safe” training.

2, Mandatory reporting within 24-hours of any suspected or reported sexual abuse.

3, Anyone who has been reported, is then not allowed to attend meetings or gatherings until allegations have been investigated by the authorities, and they are given the all-clear. Then they MAY be allowed to attend (case specific).

I asked if there was a centralized list of those who are not to attend due to allegations/convictions. Ralph noted that there is a public list of registered sex offenders. I acknowledged that list, however, I noted that would not include those who were just recently reported and told not to attend meetings. I asked how workers from other areas would know if an individual is to not attend? Ralph essentially said that he talks to people, and “word would get around”. I presented the scenario where an individual was suspected of sexual abuse and Ralph reported it, then 2 weeks later, this individual traveled across the country to another state and attended a convention. I asked how those at that convention would know that this individual was not supposed to be attending? No real clear answer was given. I asked if a centralized list could be kept, that would be accessible to workers everywhere (essentially worldwide) so that workers from different areas could be keep up to date. After discussion, it didn’t really seem to me like they were getting this idea…or really knew of a way to implement it. I explained that this list may help to limit liability to those within the work, because then they could point to the list and note that an individual was reported. On this topic, it did not seem to go any further. It was also unclear as to whether or not this would be taken up the chain of command. We did not really get any further on this topic.

As indicated in my list of prepared questions (separate document), I noted that I thought that there would be more of a “plan” moving forward, and if not, I had some ideas on how things could be done if they were willing to listen to them (i.e. this meeting used to collect “questions & concerns” with a future meeting to address all). They didn’t seem to know if that would even be possible.

It was noted by an individual that there were recent letters in Canada that described anticipated changes in the way conventions would proceed. The letter described changes in over-night sleeping accommodations, bathroom visits, etc. When asked if there would be any changes here in PA, Ralph stated that he didn’t think so, and that things would proceed as they normally do.

Summary of other side-bar topics:

It was noted by some individuals in the meeting that more care should be taken on the part of parents to “educate” their kids as to “good touch, bad touch” type of things. This was acknowledged by the workers and everyone, but also noted that blame does not lie on the victim, but rather the perpetrator. Also, this is not a policy that the workers can enforce as they are not the ones implementing it.

It was acknowledged that “reform” of perpetrators of sexual abuse (particularly those of CSA}, rarely works, and that most will repeat offend.

It was also acknowledged that the number of “false cases” of accusations, are very rare. Both Ralph and I noted that statistically, they are less than 4% and they are nearly zero if it’s a child that’s reporting it.

I stated that I had prepared questions and talking points for the meeting. That I’d be willing to share them with them via email, but that I’d only do that if they promised to provide actual responses to them in writing. I didn’t feel that I got a clear positive response on that and to date, I have NOT sent my list to them formally. However, I may in the near future.

After meeting discussions:

When discussing if there was “hierarchy” to the ministry, the sister worker that I was having a conversation with all but denied that there is “organization” or that they could be classified as an “organization” I felt, and noted directly with her, that she was parsing words with me, and there, most certainly, is organization and there is “hierarchy” to it. She did not agree. She stated that “some have more responsibilities”, but there weren’t “leaders” (other than god/Jesus).

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Original Talking points/Notes/Comments/Questions for the Workers pertaining discovery of CSA/SA throughout the church group (globally) and allegations of cover-ups:

Would like to note the scope of the crisis: ~500 alleged perpetrators of sexual abuse within the church (taken from a few different sources). To date, here in North America, there have been at least 23 workers (or Ex-Workers)/Elders removed, and 3 conventions that have ceased. While the numbers of victims have not been tallied, it’s been reported that those are within the thousands (world-wide). Keep in mind, statistics indicate that nearly 80% of sexual abuse is NOT reported, and the recidivism rate of those who are convicted is very high. Also, instances of false reporting are less than 4%.

1. We are advocating for open and clear written communication moving forward. Due to integrity issues and the image that leadership is inept, can we agree that this is truly the only path forward? If so, what’s the plan? (Note that the only written and publicized communication is worker lists).
Here are a few suggestions:

a. Please take note and record all the questions in this meeting all the meetings that are literally happening all of the States and Canada this week, compile the questions, and publish written responses to them. There are already a few websites that have been created, I can assemble that information and get it to Ray if he already isn’t aware of it where this information can be published openly.

b. Then have a second meeting (say on a Wednesday night when all are normally gathered together anyway) at someone’s home that is technologically literate and have a mass video conference call (say entire eastern seaboard – or by time zone) that addresses all the questions (summarized) and outlines a what the current policy is moving forward with those who have been convicted or have allegations of sexual abuse. Note that the Wings for Truth website has a written “code of conduct” related to CSA/SA. https://wingsfortruth.info/2023/04/01/csa-code-of-conduct-2013/

c. Provide some written open guidance on what the actual doctrine is. This is due to differences that are present in a global (and even regional setting here with the US). In addition to theology (things like trinity, celibate & itinerant ministry, etc), this should also include things like dress, adornment, technology (i.e. TVs, computers, etc), taking part in meeting if divorced, etc.

2. We have a question specifically for the sister workers here today. This is due to reports that are publicized on Wings for Truth site, and the lack of a credible rebuttal that refutes the treatment of the sisters, and our care for them. Question: were you told to not answer questions? If so, was there an explanation as to why?

3. Following up on the previous question, does anyone know if the meeting minutes indicated on the Wing for Truth website from the Milford NH Town Hall are accurate? Has anyone here reviewed them?

4. Do you have a complete list of how many people (workers/friends) there are with CSA/SA accusations?

5. What is the official stance on those who have been convicted or have accusations of SA as it relates to attending meetings/conventions/funerals/preps?

6. Other than police, who do we contact to notify that a person has accusations that can then be noted on the repository that’s made public? We are advocating for a collective database that is (or can be centralized). Do you agree with that approach, if not, why, and what’s the plan?

7. How will individuals with CSA/SA accusations/convictions be prevented from attending meetings/conventions/preps?

8. Questions directly for Ray & Barry (if present):

a. Why did it take someone calling Ray to finally get Leslie White completely banned from meetings?

b. Is Peter Mousseau (NH) still allowed to attend meetings/conventions/preps? If not, when was he told that he was no longer allowed to attend?

c. Are there others we should know about?

9. Rochelle and I have both discussed this at length, and we honestly feel like we don’t have a clear understanding. We have also noted to each other that we have not felt free to even ask this question (which we now wonder why that is). Can you please describe the hierarchy of the ministry. How does one become an overseer? Who is the overseer of the entire planet?

10. Similarly, can women sit in positions of overseers? If not, why?

11. Finally, questions related to money – its access, its distribution, and the amount. We feel this is important to ask in the context of CSA (and for other reasons open and clear communication and transparency).

a. How is money distributed within the work? Who has control of that money? How much of that money has been used for legal counsel?

b. If a worker is accused of sexual abuse, are legal fees paid from the donations of the friends?

c. Can some of that money be used to subsidize help for victims? We understand that has happened in the past (i.e. Jean Austin (Trotter) – but funds were cut off to her by Ray Hoffmann in 2016)?

The following letter is a collective cry from some of us who love the fellowship that we have enjoyed and are horrified and heartbroken over the recent revelations of years of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse within our fellowship and the handling of these situations. These revelations have highlighted a need for accountability and meaningful change within the structure of the ministry.  We are aware that we have many honest and loving workers who seek to point us to Jesus and they are feeling overwhelmed and hurt by all of this as well. We seek only to encourage and support them and each other with a healthier fellowship and ministry. 

This letter is written in two parts. The first part is addressed to three specific overseers pleading that they examine themselves and take responsibility for what has happened under their watch. The second part is written to the broader church with a suggestion for a path forward. It is our sincere desire that the path forward is led by God and is scripturally sound and thus it needs further thought, prayer and guidance by the church.   

This letter was not written in haste, anger or bitterness but with serious and prayerful input from many people over the last couple of months as we have sought confirmation from the Holy Spirit.

If this letter reflects the cry of your heart, you can support it by adding your signature. The letter will be open for signatures until July 17, 2023.

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To Ray Hoffmann, Barry Barkley, and Dale Shultz:

We are writing this in good faith and out of great concern for the state of our fellowship and ministry. We have enjoyed many years of fellowship and we have a love for one another and for our ministers who love and point us to Jesus. Most importantly we have a love for God, and a sincere desire to know Him better through His son. We feel profound hurt, disappointment, and righteous anger as revelations of abuse, coverup, and mistreatment continue to come to light. We are sorrowful over those who have felt they must leave the fellowship because of these things. While CSA/5A is horrific and the most pressing issue that needs to be resolved, these past days have revealed there are many other things in our fellowship and ministry that are not Christlike, including:

• CSA / SA being allowed to proliferate even when obvious to overseers, workers and others
• Decisions that are not aligned with the Spirit of Christ
• Dysfunction in the ministry causing mental health problems and burnout
• Abuse of power and authority
• Unwillingness to believe and work with victims or advocates of victims

The continued lack of a spirit of deep humility and repentance by you specifically is distressing. The apostle John asks us to try the spirits, and when we do that, we find ourselves asking – where is the Christlike response? Where is the asking ‘”what can we do to help?” Where is the compassion? Where is the sackcloth and ashes? How can the church be expected to believe you didn’t have knowledge of so many of these crimes and moral shortcomings, when over and over people have spoken and indicated your awareness, and even mistreatment of them for bringing the accusations forward?

Three specific examples involve Ira Hobbs, Leslie White and Robert Corfield. We continue to read honest and heartfelt accounts by those who testify that you had knowledge of a buses by these men, as well as others, over the course of years. Indeed, there are numerous accounts of weaponizing our faith and using fear to silence and shame people for bringing legitimate CSA/SA and other concerns forward. In some cases, people have been removed from meetings because they dared to speak up about the abuse and wrong in the ministry. These situations are examples of a failure of leadership and do not reflect a Spirit led ministry.

There are two accounts in the Bible that come to mind of appropriate responses to shortcomings. The first is in 2 Sam 12 when Nathan came to David after he had sinned. Nathan said to David “Thou art the man.” David, the King in the highest place of authority, immediately said “I have sinned against the Lord.” When he learned what the consequences of his decision would be, the loss of a little one, he fasted and laid in sackcloth – a sign of real humility and sorrow.

The other account is that of Jonah when he came to Nineveh and told them of their sin and imminent destruction. The people of the city and even the king himself put on sackcloth and sat in ashes out of sorrow and repentance.

The church is saying to you: “Thou art the man”. The church is playing the part of Jonah. We are now months into these heartbreaking accounts being shared – where is the true sorrow? Where is the turning and repenting? Where is the Spirit led response? The actions to right these wrongs? There should be tears streaming down your cheeks out of compassion for all those who have been wronged and out of a deep repentance for your decisions. The apologies and actions of removing CSA offenders recently have come only after great pressure and exposure. While the decisions you were making were perhaps well- meaning at the time, the results have been undeniably poor. The fact that so many in our fellowship are hurting and crying out is evidence of these results.

You are the leaders of our ministry. In any organization, the culture and the tone are set by those in authority. It was as true in the time of the Kings in the Bible as it is now. It has become overwhelmingly clear that within our fellowship there are systemic problems that have resulted from decisions that are not scripturally sound or Spirit led. There has been a profound loss of trust and confidence in the leadership of our ministry. We cannot reasonably expect that the same men that led us into this situation can be the same men to lead us out. If what was happening in our fellowship was happening in any other group, there would be no choice but for leadership to step down for the good of the organization. Further, in the workplace, those committing or covering up serious crimes like these would be immediately fired. Heaven rejoices when even one lost sheep is found – are you willing to step down if it means the faith of even one soul is preserved?

Ray, Barry and Dale -the healing of the church cannot begin until there are real, meaningful changes in leadership. Wouldn’t it be better if the decision to step down came from a place of true humility and realization, rather than due to the call of others? To humbly take accountability and responsibility for past wrongs, as the highest authorities in our church? We truly hope you can examine yourselves, let the spirit of Jesus reign In your hearts, and humbly take the lower place.

To the church for consideration: a possible solution

The revelations of the past few months have highlighted a structure that lacks transparency and accountability. We believe our fellowship is precious and we desire it to continue in a healthy, Godly way. As an alternative to address the shortcomings of the current hierarchy and authority, one possible solution could be:

1. Those currently in the highest authority (Barry, Ray, and Dale specifically) humbly accept accountability and step down from leadership for the good of the church so that healing can begin; other leaders responsible for similar actions should step down as well
2. A council of workers and elders is formed in each region where worker staff is shared. An example of this may be found in Acts 15:22 – “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabus. They chose Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.”
   • Council should consist of elders, wives and workers, including sister workers
   • Council members should serve single staggered 3 or 4 year rotational terms
   • Responsibilities of the council should include:
     • Appointment of head worker; removal of head worker if necessary
     • Oversight of independent investigations in cases of abuse or accusations of serious wrongdoing, Generally, issues should follow the scriptural intent in Matt 18 of taking the concern to the individual, then be addressed with a witness, and finally taken to the council/church. In cases of criminal abuse, authorities should be notified and handle the investigation.
     • Creation, maintenance, and communication of policies around CSA/SA and codes of worker conduct
     • Consultation on issues of doctrine, structure, finances and worker moves

Item # 2 above is only a suggested framework. The role of such councils would need to be further developed by ministers and elders based on their collective understanding of the scriptures and the needs of the church and ministry. Within the body there are many different gifts our friends and workers possess and utilizing their talents along with prayerful, thoughtful consideration, we are confident we can find a better path forward. We are all aware that doing nothing is effectively doing something and it has become abundantly clear the current structure is not healthy and has led to disastrous results for many. Thus, we plead that we would all humbly look to Jesus to be our guide and begin to take Christlike steps forward.

Signed by elders, friends, and former workers who love our fellowship

[Signed by 95 names at the time WINGS posted this report]

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The letter is available to be signed at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfArTnmjoB6sv5gaFkqtGE9Vv4hBG16kOLli1rTGCINUZquVg/viewform

Subject: An update from the lllinois/lndiana staff

Dear Friends,

We think of you with appreciation and concern in these current times, and we hope you are doing okay.

We would like to update you on our activities and communicate our efforts to address Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) as well as adult Sexual Abuse (SA).

Last week, the IL IN staff convened in Indiana for portions of three days. We talked about our responsibilities as mandated reporters, and some of the steps required to report abuse. We talked about appropriate conduct for workers, which for the most part, applies to our friends also. We also discussed policy that is being developed to help us know how to respond to allegations and convictions of CSA and SA. The motivation of the policy is to provide a safe environment for children first of all. We are working on making resources available for victims. And the policy addresses people’s concerns about if when an abuser would be reintegrated into a meeting and funeral. In this decision, strong consideration is being given to having a CSA professional outside of our fellowship do an evaluation. Some professionals and several other people are working on this policy. We hope it can be shared before long. We appreciate your patience, as we try to create appropriate policy.

Two churches gathered in the Evansville, IN, area on Monday evening, July 3, to give people an opportunity to express feelings and concerns, and to ask questions about the serious problems confronting us these days. Sharon Carrol, Gloria Edwards, Loren Quick and Matthew Jensen were present. Two of these gatherings are planned in the Indianapolis area next week

We want to know how this experience affects our friends. If anyone has any questions or concerns, and you feel like the workers can be of help in a personal visit, feel free to reach out to us. If anyone is interested in attending similar gatherings as mentioned above, please reach out to the workers in your field.

Take care.

Sincerely,

The IL IN Staff